A South Korean student visa is a type of visa issued to foreign nationals who want to study in South Korea. With this visa, you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for the duration of your studies. You may also be able to work part-time while you study, depending on the terms of your visa. To apply for a South Korean student visa, you will need to meet certain requirements, such as proof of enrollment in a Korean educational institution, proof of financial support, and a clean criminal record.

To apply for a South Korean student visa, you will need the following documents:

• Passport
• Application form
• Proof of enrollment in a Korean educational institution
• Proof of financial support
• Criminal background check
• Health certificate
• Passport-sized photos
• TOEFL or TOEIC score (if applicable)

Note: Requirements may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so be sure to check the specific guidelines before applying.

Types of South Korea Student Visa

• Associate Degree ( D-2-1 ): Someone who plans to enroll for an associate degree at a college established in accordance with the Higher Education Act, or a college established in accordance with their state's Special Act.
• Bachelor's Degree (D-2-2) : An individual who plans to enroll at a college or university established in accordance with the Higher Education Act (such as an undergraduate/graduate college), or one established under Special Act, for the purpose of earning a bachelor's degree.
• Master's Degree (D-2-3): Applicants for master's degrees, undergraduate or graduate college degrees established in accordance with the Higher Education Act, and college degrees established under special Acts
• Doctoral Degree (D-2-4) : A person who plans to enroll for a doctoral degree in an institution of higher learning established by the Higher Education Act or under a Special Act.
• Research Study (D-2-5) :A person who plans to engage in a specific research at an undergraduate or graduate college under the Higher Education Act, or a college established by the Special Act
• Exchange Student(D-2-6): An exchange student who has been required to take a specific course of study as part of an agreement between the universities where he or she is studying.
• Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1) : A person with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, who plans to study Korean language at an affiliated institution of a foreign education facility in ROK (South Korea)
• Student (Elementary, Middle, High School) (D-4-3): A person who plans to attend an academic institution that is the equivalent of high school or below.
• Foreign Language Trainee (D-4-7): The student who is planning to take foreign language classes at a language institutions affiliated with a foreign academic institution in ROK, or at a tertiary education center established in accordance with the Higher Education Act.

Following is the list of documents required for South Korea Student visa

• Passport: A valid passport is one of the basic requirements for obtaining a South Korean student visa.

  The following requirements should be met for your passport:

  • Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your intended entry into South Korea.
  • Your passport should have at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp.
  • The information in your passport, such as your name and date of birth, should match the information in your visa application.
• Photo : A passport-sized photo is required for a South Korean student visa application.

  The following are the general requirements for the photo:

  • Size: 2 inch x 2 inch (5 cm x 5 cm)
  • Color: Full-color, taken against a white background
  • Resolution: High-quality, clear and in focus
  • Dress code: You should dress in modest, appropriate clothing for your visa photo. Avoid wearing anything that covers your face or that is too distracting.
  • Recent photo: The photo should be taken recently, within the last six months, to accurately represent your current appearance.

• Air Ticket : Having a confirmed air ticket may demonstrate your intention to leave South Korea at the end of your studies, which can strengthen your visa application.

  The following are the general requirements for the Air Ticket

  • when you are traveling to and from your destination (booking a flight before receiving approval for the visa can result in fines).
  • The travel must be confirmed for both the outbound and return journeys.
• Visa Application Form: The form is usually available for download from the website of the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.

  The visa application form will typically require you to provide the following information:

  • Personal information: Your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and passport information.
  • Contact information: Your current address, phone number, and email address.
  • Education information: Your highest level of education, the institution you will be studying at in South Korea, and the start and end dates of your program.
  • Travel information: Your flight details, accommodation plans, and the purpose of your trip to South Korea.
  • Financial information: Proof of financial support for your studies and stay in South Korea.
• Medical Reports : A medical report may be required as part of the South Korean student visa application process.

  The specific requirements for medical reports may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but the following are common requirements:

  • Examining doctor: The medical report must be issued by a qualified and authorized doctor, who has performed a comprehensive medical examination.
  • Tests required: The medical report should include results of relevant tests, such as a tuberculosis (TB) test.
  • Format: The medical report should be in a specified format, such as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
  • Validity: The medical report should be valid for a certain period of time, usually three to six months from the date of issue.
• Covering letter from Applicant: A covering letter from the applicant, also known as a cover letter or letter of intent, may be required as part of the South Korean student visa application process.

  The cover letter should include the following information:

  • Introduction: State your purpose for writing the letter and explain why you want to study in South Korea.
  • Background information: Provide background information about yourself, such as your academic background, work experience, and relevant achievements.
  • Purpose of trip: Explain the purpose of your trip to South Korea, including the details of your course of study, your intended start and end dates, and the institution you will be attending.
  • Financial support: Provide evidence of your financial support, such as proof of financial sponsorship or bank statements.
  • Future plans: Outline your future plans after completing your studies in South Korea.
• Invitation letter from University: An invitation letter from the university is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a South Korean student visa.

  The invitation letter should include the following information:

  • Introduction: A brief introduction of the university and its purpose for inviting you to study in South Korea.
  • Course details: Information about the course you will be studying, including the start and end dates, the length of the program, and the course content.
  • Financial support: Confirmation of the financial support the university will provide, including tuition fees, housing, and other expenses.
  • Arrival information: Information about your arrival in South Korea, including your expected arrival date and arrangements for your first few days in the country.
  • Contact information: Contact information for the university, including the name and title of the person who will be responsible for your welfare during your studies.
• Bank Statement:A bank statement is a common requirement for obtaining a South Korean student visa, as it serves as proof of financial support for the applicant's studies and stay in South Korea.

  The bank statement should include the following information:

  • Account holder: The bank statement should be in the name of the applicant or the person who will be financially supporting the applicant.
  • Balance: The bank statement should show a sufficient balance to cover the applicant's tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs during their stay in South Korea.
  • Validity: The bank statement should be recent, usually not older than three months from the date of visa application.
  • Original or certified copy: The bank statement should be an original document or a certified copy, depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate.
• Admission receipt in School : An admission receipt from the school is a common requirement for obtaining a South Korean student visa.

  The admission receipt should include the following information:

  • Institution: The receipt should be from the school or institution where the applicant has been admitted to study.
  • Course details: The receipt should include the details of the course of study, including the start and end dates, and the length of the program.
  • Payment: The receipt should show proof of payment for tuition fees, application fees, and other related expenses.
  • Original or certified copy: The admission receipt should be an original document or a certified copy, depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate.
• Sponsorship letter : A sponsorship letter may be required as part of the South Korean student visa application process if the applicant requires financial support from someone other than themselves.

  The sponsorship letter should include the following information:

  • Introduction: A brief introduction of the sponsor, including their name, relationship to the applicant, and contact information.
  • Financial support: A statement of the sponsor's commitment to provide financial support for the applicant's studies and stay in South Korea, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs.
  • Proof of financial capability: Proof of the sponsor's financial capability, such as a bank statement or employment letter, to support the applicant's studies and stay in South Korea.
  • Return arrangements: A statement of the sponsor's commitment to assist the applicant in returning to their home country after the completion of their studies.
• Educational documents : Educational documents are a crucial part of the South Korean student visa application process, as they serve as evidence of the applicant's academic qualifications.

  The following educational documents are commonly required:

  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous educational institutions attended, showing the applicant's academic record and grades.
  • Degree certificates: Original or certified copies of the applicant's degree certificates, if applicable.
  • English proficiency test scores: Proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, if the course of study requires a certain level of English proficiency.
  • Passport copies: Copies of the passport biographical page and previous visas, if applicable.
• Bonafide certificate from School/College: A bonafide certificate from the school or college is a common requirement for obtaining a South Korean student visa.

  The bonafide certificate should include the following information:

  • Institution: The certificate should be from the school or institution where the applicant has been admitted to study.
  • Course details: The certificate should include the details of the course of study, including the start and end dates, length of the program, and any specializations.
  • Enrollment: The certificate should confirm the applicant's enrollment in the course of study.
  • Purpose: The certificate should state the purpose of the applicant's intended stay in South Korea, such as studying, research, or training.

Eligibility for getting South Korea Study Visa:

To be eligible for a South Korean student visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Admissions: The applicant must have received a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in South Korea.
• Financial Support: The applicant must have sufficient financial support to cover their living expenses, tuition fees, and other related costs during their stay in South Korea.
• English proficiency: If required by the course of study, the applicant must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Passport: The applicant must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Health: The applicant must provide a medical certificate or report, as required by the embassy or consulate, to prove their health and fitness to study in South Korea.

How to Apply for South Korea Student Visa

The process for applying for a South Korean student visa typically involves the following steps:

• Gather required documents: Collect all the required documents, including a passport, visa application form, financial documents, educational documents, and any additional documents required by the embassy or consulate.
• Schedule an interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.
• Submit the application: Submit the visa application along with the required documents, either in person or by mail. Some consulates may also allow online submissions.
• Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa processing fee, either in person or by mail.
• Attend the interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview and answer any questions the consular officer may have.
• Wait for the decision: Wait for the decision on the visa application. If the visa is approved, the applicant will be notified and may pick up their visa at the embassy or consulate.

Note: The visa application process may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so be sure to check the specific guidelines before applying. It's always best to check the most up-to-date information with the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.

Student visa in South Korea: cost, duration and extension

The cost, duration, and extension of a South Korean student visa depend on the individual's specific circumstances, such as the course of study, length of the program, and other factors.

• Cost: A visa costs $40 for a single-entry visa and up to $90 for multiple entries. Always check with the South Korean embassy or consulate in your home country as fees may differ according international practices, national agreements, etc
• Duration: The duration of a South Korean student visa varies depending on the course of study and the length of the program. It typically ranges from 1 year to 2 years.
• Extension: If the course of study extends beyond the initial visa validity period, the applicant may apply for an extension by submitting a request to the nearest immigration office in South Korea.

Frequently asked questions